Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

Abstract

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is a common cause of infection in cirrhotic patients. It is associated with high mortality and requires invasive procedures for diagnosis, given the vagueness of its clinic. It presents a wide differential diagnosis. Management is based in empirical antibiotic therapy of broad spectrum, which needs to be adjusted according to cultures. Knowledge of local epidemiology is an indispensable tool to guide antibiotic treatment and reduce adverse results.